WACO, Texas (Feb. 27, 2014) - Baylor University today announced the appointment of Mark A. Newton, BA '85, senior pastor at First Baptist Church of San Marcos, as director for church engagement in the University's Division of Constituent Engagement. He will begin his new duties at Baylor on March 19.

In his new role at the largest Baptist university and one of the few Christian research universities in the world, Newton will continue his passion for ministry by engaging Baptist churches, as well as non-denominational fellowships and other congregations friendly to the university's Christian mission, in the life of Baylor University. Newton will serve as a link for these churches to the University's vast academic resources and will help coordinate efforts on campus with the various entities involved in ministry outreach, such as spiritual life, ministry guidance and Baylor's George W. Truett Theological Seminary.

"We look forward to welcoming Mark into our Baylor Network family," said Tommye Lou Davis, vice president for constituent engagement at Baylor. "His skills and experience give him valuable insight necessary for the success of this new program. We eagerly anticipate the meaningful relationships this position will bring. Church Engagement will strengthen and expand the University's outreach, which is an essential element of aspirational statement No. 4 (Committed Constituents) of our new strategic vision, Pro Futuris."

Newton has been a successful senior pastor at a number of churches in Texas and is a well-known and highly respected figure in Baptist life, as well as in the broader Christian community. For the past 11 years, he has served as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of San Marcos, building the church to a robust, dynamic congregation.

"I am most humbled and thrilled to serve Baylor in this new capacity," Newton said. "I have loved the local church and Baylor University for as long as I can remember. Church engagement and Baylor University simply go hand in hand. I look forward to telling the Baylor story to as many churches as possible in the years to come. These are such exciting days at Baylor and I am so honored to be a part of the Baylor Family."

A native of Burnet, Texas, Newton earned his bachelor's degree in religion from Baylor in 1985 and his master of divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1989. He was licensed to the ministry at his home church, First Baptist Church, Burnet.

During his years as a student, he served as the minister of music at First Baptist Church, Silver Creek, Texas, as well as First Baptist Church, Marlin, Texas. He also served as chaplain-intern at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport with the Home Mission Board and associate pastor of First Baptist Church, Marlin, where he was ordained to the ministry in 1986. His first pastorate was at First Baptist Church, Chilton, Texas. Mark served as pastor of First Baptist Church, McGregor, Texas, and Baptist Temple Church, San Antonio, Texas, before making his home in San Marcos. He is active within the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Texas Baptist Committed and the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and is an Honorary Alumnus of Truett Seminary.

Newton is a servant to the community of San Marcos, where he serves as the presiding officer of Leadership San Marcos, vice president of the San Marcos Education Foundation and on other committees within the San Marcos Consolidated School District. He supports Texas State University as a member of the Bobcat Club and Friends of Fine Arts. He also has been a part of the City of San Marcos Ethics Commission, the San Marcos Ministerial Alliance and the San Marcos Rotary Club.

Newton is married to Aurelia Northcutt Newton, also a Baylor graduate. They have two children: Adolynn, a freshman at Baylor, and son Truett, a junior at San Marcos High School.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.